Inside The Annual Crystal Couture Show & Sale!

by Glory Warrick · February 9, 2015

When you think DC, you usually think politics before fashion, but over the weekend, we tossed the politics aside and celebrated DMV fashion with the return of our favorite couture, shopping experience! Highlighting local DC designers, retailers and the District's unique fashion scene, we go inside this year's annual Crystal Couture Show & Sale!

From February 5 - 7, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Vornado/Charles E. Smith, revived the biggest runway and pop up shop event in Virginia's Crystal City! The Crystal Couture Show & Sale, which featured 40 of the metropolitan area's most stylish boutiques, designers, and fashion retailers, annually transforms an underused space into a high-end fashion event. The show and sale took place each night from 6 PM to 10 PM.

The event opened with a VIP preview show and sale at 5pm on Thursday, February 5. The premiere evening was hosted by Danni Starr from The Kane Show, who had funny, fresh commentary on all the runway shows. While all the clothing lines were absolutely amazing, there were certainly a few stand outs. Rosies & Rockers Boutique, owned by Mateen Khan, accessorized his models in colorful police-grade handcuffs on the Couture runway. The models tapped into their playful side as they rocked the rebellious line of clothing. Another runway stand out - Kim Elleen. It was easy to see the crowd's growing excitement as each model made their way down the runway. The colorful collection of clothing didn't miss a beat and every outfit was an immediate must have!

During the weekend event, guests had the opportunity to shop discounted merchandise, both on the rack and on the runway, as models debuted select offerings creating a one of a kind 360° shopping experience. Guests even had the privilege of viewing an exclusive runway event choreographed by Maggy Francois, showcasing select items from participating boutiques and designers, but that's not all! There were so many treats at this year's Couture event! While shopping, guests indulged in tastes from local restaurants, signature cocktails from the event sponsored bar, meetings with fashion consultants, professional stylists, and complimentary five minute beauty makeovers. Guests shared photos via social medial with the #CrystalCouture hashtag, and were able to print out photos and selfies using the Share-to-Print kiosk by OnomonoMEDIA. By using the Couture hashtag, guests entered the event photo contest placing them in the running to win top-knotch prizes provided by event sponsors.

While fashion was the main attraction at the show and sale, the event also celebrated art, highlighting several local artists. The event space was decorated by graffiti artist Kevin Ervin. Everywhere you looked the walls beamed "Crystal Couture" in bright and bold colors. Matching the high energy of the space, DJ Neekola spun non-stop beats throughout the event. Neekola even took part in this year's show, introducing herself as one of the featured designers! Her "Speak Vintage" line stood out on the runway with each of her models was wearing a signature pink pastel wig to match her colorful hair.

Fashion, food, sales, and surprises - this year's Crystal Couture event was better than ever! From the fabulous designers, gift give a-ways, and electric atmosphere, this is one DMV fashion event that is not to be missed. If you weren't able to make the event this year, step up your DC fashion game and be sure to mark your calendar's for next year's Crystal Couture! We'll be there, runway ready, which means you should too!